We are not like other chambers and life as a pupil at Hardwicke isn't easy. We expect you to work hard; in return we will ensure you have the breadth and depth of experience needed for a successful career at the Bar.
On this site, you find out more about what we are looking for in a candidate, what we can offer you and what pupillage at Hardwicke is like - told by:
The Supervisor's View
- Michelle Stevens-Hoare
All through my 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th six month pupillages I always swore when I "got there" I would remember what the experience of pupillage was like and make sure I helped others trying to walk the same path. Some 16 years or so on I have to accept that, try as I might, I can't really remember exactly how it all felt. Anyway, things have changed quite a bit since then. However, maybe it will reassure you to know that many of us try to remember! It may also help if you bear in mind we have chosen you and are investing time, effort and money in you so we really do want you to succeed.
So I will take this opportunity to give you few ideas and helpful hints about what to expect and what to look for at this stage. It is inevitable that you will approach pupillage with a certain amount of apprehension. This is likely to grow as you ponder just what you have let yourself in for. Even if you have previously experienced a number of mini-pupillages, it is likely you will have questions, ranging from the minutiae to the fundamental, racing around your head. For example, what do I wear, what do I call everyone, where will I sit, what exactly will they expect me to know, what does "do this set of papers" mean and what exactly is my status in this organisation called Chambers?
The answers to most of those questions will depend to some extent on the set of chambers where you undertake your pupillage. However, here are some general pointers.
What to wear?
You should always look like the smart professional that is, no doubt, already inside you just waiting to come out. Even if some others around you seem to take a more relaxed approach to their dress, be very cautious before you follow their lead. The members of chambers who do not take that approach may be unimpressed if you dress down.
What do I call everyone?
That really will depend on the set of chambers. In some places like Hardwicke Building everyone is on a first name (or even nickname) basis. Other places still adopt a more formal style. So approach with caution, listen and observe and do not be afraid to ask your pupil supervisor.
Where do I sit?
Again this will depend on the set of chambers you join. Some sets have a room for all pupils to work in; in other sets you will sit in the same room as your pupil supervisor. At Hardwicke we feel it is important for you to sit in with your pupil supervisors as much as possible so that you are learning about all aspects of their professional life, including listening into telephone calls with solicitors and opponents.
What will they expect me to know?
Not everything - at least not in the first week! You will be expected to understand general legal principles and to know rather more about the areas of law in which you profess a particular interest. Most importantly, you will be expected to know how to start identifying the right questions to ask yourself and how to go about researching the answers. Having some grasp of procedure, the practical realities of life and a sense of tactical considerations that may arise will boost you into the "very promising" category.
What does "do this set of papers" mean?
The simple answer is do whatever you think you would do if you were the tenant to whom the instructions have been sent. The rest depends on the culture of the set of chambers you are in. In some sets, like Hardwicke, tenants discuss cases and help each other work things through, and you are expected to join in that process. When you are working on something you can ask your pupil supervisor and other tenants who do the relevant type of work. Equally, when tenants at Hardwicke are discussing a case you should feel free to join in with your thoughts. However, in some sets pupils are still expected do their own work on their own and to wait until they are asked for their views on any other issue under discussion, so approach with caution until you have a feel for the culture around you. As always, if in doubt ask your pupil supervisor what is acceptable.
What exactly is my status?
That depends very much on the set of chambers in which you are undertaking pupillage. Hopefully no one will treat you as chief tea-maker and photocopier. However, in some sets you may find yourself being very much the "pupil" in an almost Victorian sense. The good news is that more and more sets of chambers treat pupils as the intelligent, capable, professionally-qualified people they are. In some sets you will be treated as a proper part of the organisation and in a friendly set of Chambers like Hardwicke you will be readily absorbed into the associated social life. However, bear in mind the reality of your situation: you are a pupil hoping to so impress those around you so that they decide to offer you tenancy. That reality inevitably makes a difference to your approach to life in chambers, but don't allow it to spoil the experience for you.
Inevitably the type of set you choose for your pupillage will be a very significant factor in determining the quality of the learning and life experience you have during the year. However, your own approach and attitude will be just as significant. Remember that you are a intelligent, qualified professional who is there to learn, and that the set of chambers to which you are going chose you, probably over hundreds of other applicants. Be sensitive to the culture of the set and, if in doubt, ask your pupil supervisor or members of the pupillage committee for guidance.